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VENTOLIN HFA Instructions

About VENTOLIN HFA

Your doctor has prescribed VENTOLIN HFA Inhalation Aerosol. VENTOLIN HFA is a bronchodilator.

The blue actuator supplied with VENTOLIN HFA should not be used with any other product canisters, and actuators from other products should not be used with a VENTOLIN HFA canister.

The metal canister is fitted with a counter to show the number of sprays of medicine you have left. The number will show through a window in the back of the plastic actuator (see Figure 1).

The counter starts at 204 (which includes the first 4 priming sprays) and counts down to 000. Each time you release a spray from the inhaler, the number will count down by 1. The counter will stop counting at 000.

Never try to alter the numbers or detach the counter from the metal canister. The counter cannot be reset and is permanently attached to the canister.

Priming VENTOLIN HFA as directed is important to ensure that you receive the appropriate amount of medicine. VENTOLIN HFA should be primed at certain times as described below.

VENTOLIN HFA should be primed before using it for the first time. Remove your VENTOLIN HFA from the overwrap and safely discard the overwrap and drying packet, which is also inside the overwrap. The counter should read 204.

To prime the inhaler, remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator (the strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator), shake the inhaler well, then spray 4 times into the air away from your face, shaking well before each spray. After you have primed the inhaler the first time, the counter will read 200.

VENTOLIN HFA should also be primed when the inhaler has not been used for more than 14 days or when the inhaler has been dropped. To prime the inhaler, remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator (the strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator), shake the inhaler well, then spray 4 times into the air away from your face, shaking well before each spray. When you prime the inhaler during regular use, the counter number will count down by 1 each time you spray the inhaler.

Children 4 years of age and older should use VENTOLIN HFA under adult supervision, as instructed by the patient's doctor.

The inhaler should be at room temperature before use. Make sure that the canister is seated in the plastic actuator before each use.

Your VENTOLIN HFA should be primed before using it for the first time. VENTOLIN HFA should also be primed when the inhaler has not been used for more than 14 days or when the inhaler has been dropped. Make sure to read and follow the above instructions for Priming Your VENTOLIN HFA.

SHAKE THE INHALER WELL immediately before each spray.
Follow the instructions below. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

REMOVE THE CAP FROM THE MOUTHPIECE OF THE ACTUATOR (see Figure 2); the strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator. Inspect the inhaler mouthpiece for the presence of foreign objects before each use, especially if the strap is no longer attached to the actuator or if the cap is not being used to cover the mouthpiece. Make sure the canister is fully and firmly inserted into the actuator.SHAKE THE INHALER WELL immediately before each spray.

BREATHE OUT FULLY THROUGH THE MOUTH, expelling as much air from your lungs as possible. Place the mouthpiece fully into your mouth, holding the inhaler with the mouthpiece down (see Figure 2) and closing your lips around it.

WHILE BREATHING IN DEEPLY AND SLOWLY THROUGH YOUR MOUTH, FULLY DEPRESS THE TOP OF THE METAL CANISTER with your index finger (see Figure 3). Immediately after the spray is delivered, release your finger from the canister. When you have breathed in fully, remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your mouth.

HOLD YOUR BREATH AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, up to 10 seconds, then breathe normally.

If your doctor has prescribed additional sprays, wait 1 minute and SHAKE the inhaler again. Repeat steps 2 through 4.

REPLACE THE CAP ON THE MOUTHPIECE AFTER EACH USE.

Because of the difference in propellants, you may notice a slightly different taste or feel of the spray in your mouth with VENTOLIN HFA than you are used to with other albuterol inhalation aerosol products.

Never immerse the canister in water to determine the amount of drug left in the canister (“float test”).

DISCARD THE INHALER WHEN THE COUNTER READS 000 (after you have used 200 inhalations) or 2 months after removal from the moisture-protective foil pouch, whichever comes first. The correct amount of medicine in each inhalation cannot be assured after the counter reads 000, even though the canister is not completely empty and will continue to operate. When the counter reads 020, you should contact your pharmacist for a refill of your prescription or consult your doctor to determine whether a refill of your prescription is needed. Just as you should not take extra doses without consulting your doctor, you also should not stop using VENTOLIN HFA without consulting your doctor.

DO NOT use after the expiration date, shown as “EXP”, on the product label and box.

Cleaning Your VENTOLIN HFA

KEEPING THE PLASTIC ACTUATOR CLEAN IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PREVENT MEDICINE BUILD-UP AND BLOCKAGE. THE ACTUATOR SHOULD BE WASHED, SHAKEN TO REMOVE EXCESS WATER, AND AIR-DRIED THOROUGHLY AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. THE INHALER MAY STOP SPRAYING IF NOT PROPERLY CLEANED.

Routine cleaning instructions:
Step 1. Remove the canister from the actuator, and remove the cap from the mouthpiece of the actuator. The strap on the cap will stay attached to the actuator.

Step 2. Wash the actuator through the top and bottom with warm running water for 30 seconds at least once a week (see Figure 4). Do not try to clean the metal canister, including the counter, or allow the metal canister to become wet.

Step 3. To dry, shake off excess water and let the actuator air-dry thoroughly, such as overnight (see Figure 5).

Step 4. When the actuator is dry, shake the canister well, then immediately insert the canister fully and firmly into the actuator (as shown in Figure 2) and spray once into the air away from your face. (The counter will count down by 1.) Replace the mouthpiece cap.

Blockage from medicine build-up is more likely to occur if the actuator is not allowed to air-dry thoroughly. If THE ACTUATOR BECOMES BLOCKED (little or no medicine coming out of the mouthpiece and the counter is not showing 000, see Figure 6), wash the actuator as described in Step 2 and air-dry thoroughly as described in Step 3.

IF YOU NEED TO USE YOUR INHALER BEFORE THE ACTUATOR IS COMPLETELY DRY, SHAKE EXCESS WATER off the actuator. Shake the canister well, immediately insert the canister fully and firmly into the actuator (as shown in Figure 2), and spray once into the air away from your face. Then take your dose as prescribed. After such use, rewash and air-dry thoroughly as described in Steps 2 and 3.

Storing Your VENTOLIN HFA

Store at room temperature with the mouthpiece down. Keep out of reach of children.

Contents Under Pressure: Do not puncture. Do not use or store near heat or open flame. Exposure to temperatures above 120°F may cause bursting. Never throw into fire or incinerator.

Further Information